Dwindling supplies of carbon dioxide from ethanol plants are sparking concern about shortages of beer, soda and seltzer water -- essentials for many quarantined Americans, reportsReuters.
The lack of ethanol output is disrupting this highly specialized corner of the food industry, as 34 of the 45 U.S. ethanol plants that sell CO2 have idled or cut production, said Renewable Fuels Association Chief Executive Geoff Cooper.
Brewers and soft-drink makers use carbon dioxide, but meat producers are also feeling the pinch, as they use CO2 in processing, packaging, preservation and shipment.
